The attack was so violent and quick that by the time a veterinarian and other zoo staffers arrived seconds later, they determined it would have been futile to try a rescue, Baker said in a prior interview.

Baker told Wiggin that she has not been in contact with Derkosh's family, but she wants them to know the zoo's "thoughts and prayers are with them every day."

Baker said the zoo received threats against the dogs after the boy's death and moved the animals out of the exhibit shortly after. An observation platform was also removed in December.

Baker said the zoo hasn't ruled out bringing the dogs back in a future exhibit.

"The only thing that heals something like this is time, that's the only thing that's going to heal," said Baker. "We're going to give several years and look at bringing the painted dogs back as part of a 'Top of the World' exhibit in a new area."

Baker said there are no immediate plans for the African painted dogs exhibit, but mentioned the zoo is exploring the possibility of using it for other animals.

The District Attorney's Office said its investigation into Derkosh's death found "no criminal conduct on behalf of anyone associated with the Pittsburgh Zoo." Spokesman Mike Manko said the investigation is considered closed "unless the United States Department of Agriculture discovers any deficiencies in their final report that would convince us to revisit that position."